December 29, 2022, 4:30 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Greece remains a top destination for vacationers this year. However, those who wish to avoid sharing the Greek islands, beaches, and bays with hundreds of other tourists should consider the smaller, yet equally beautiful, sister islands of well-known destinations like Santorini, Corfu, or Kos.
Whether it’s chic Mykonos, lush Corfu, or popular Santorini, Greece is famous for its many islands. Yet, beyond the major tourist magnets, there are smaller neighbors worth visiting. TRAVELBOOK, in collaboration with the Greek tourism website “Discover Greece,” has compiled some of the most beautiful hidden gem islands in Greece. They are perfect for a full vacation or for relaxed island hopping when vacationing on the larger sister islands.
For more inspiration on travel destinations in Greece, check out our special podcast episode In 5 Minutes Around the World:
Overview
11 Islands in Greece That Are Still True Hidden Gems
Angistri
Many visitors to Athens take a short side trip to Aegina or car-free Hydra during their city tour. For Athens residents, Angistri is a worthwhile excursion, offering beautiful hiking trails, pebble beaches, and clear waters. The ferry takes about two hours, while the hydrofoil takes only about 45 minutes. Angistri is especially popular with active vacationers who can enjoy a variety of hiking opportunities. The most beautiful beaches are Aponisos Beach and Dragonera Beach.
Also interesting: Greece makes hundreds of beaches accessible
Alonissos
Near the Sporades island of Skiathos, which is very popular with celebrities, lies the next of Greece’s hidden gem islands: the small Alonissos. This island is known for its charming old town, Chora, perched 260 meters high and built in the shape of an amphitheater. Alonissos is home to the Mediterranean monk seal, as well as rare seabirds. It can be reached in one to two hours by ferry or catamaran from Skiathos.
Skopelos
The cozy capital of Skopelos is home to many taverns and bars. While the island’s western and southern coasts boast beautiful beaches and coves, such as the long Aponisos Beach with its white sand and turquoise sea, the western and southern coasts are particularly beautiful. Skopelos also offers numerous outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking.
Paxos and Antipaxos
Also interesting: Greece makes hundreds of beaches accessible
The proverbial star of the Ionian Sea is well-known to be Corfu. The island, which boasts high cliffs and a true escape feel, is best explored by boat. With a length of just three kilometers, only about 40 people live here permanently. Visitors will find a true escape experience.
Paxos and Antipaxos are two interesting neighbors of Corfu. Paxos is particularly impressive with its high cliffs and winding coastal caves, best explored by boat. Antipaxos, with a length of just three kilometers, is home to only about 40 permanent residents, offering a true escape experience.
Irakleia, Schinoussa, Koufonissi, and Donousa
Skiathos, one of the country’s largest islands, has four neighbors that can be discovered like a string of pearls by ferry. Irakleia offers beach and tranquility with a touch of seclusion, Schinoussa is known for its white beaches, and Donousa impresses with its remoteness and spectacular views of the deep blue Aegean.
Anafi
The island of Anafi, relatively untouched, can be reached from Santorini by ferry in about two hours. While Santorini is bustling with tourists, especially during the summer months, Anafi offers a more serene experience. Its charm is hard to resist, with its unique setting on the rim of a volcanic crater.
Astypalea
The true charm of Astypalea, one of Greece’s hidden gem islands, lies in its lack of tourist development. This small island is a real gem, located in the Aegean Sea, with much to offer. Visitors can enjoy quaint taverns serving fresh local fish and a cozy old town crowned by the ruins of an ancient fortress. Olympic Air and Sunexpress offer 40-minute flights from Athens.